Speaker Says Israel Requires PLO Help

Israel will not withdraw from Jericho by Dec. 13 unless Palestinian violence in the occupied territories is quelled, the Consulate General of Israel told a group of Boston-area student press representatives yesterday.

Asher Yarden pointed out at the informal press conference that Dec. 13 is only an expected date, not a deadline, for Israeli withdraw from Jericho.

The consulate general insisted at the informal press conference that the PLO must show its readiness to combat Palestinian violence before Israel withdraws from this city. "We hope the PLO will be more effective in combating terrorism," Yarden said.

"They're the ones who can deliver the goods," he added.

While praising efforts by the PLO and Syria for peace, Yarden also called upon their leaders to be more realistic about expectations for the peace process.